The LA Judge Award, Australasia’s most prestigious baking competition, returns May 9-11, 2023.
Since 1967, the LA Judge Award has challenged young apprentice bakers from Australia and New Zealand to compete in a friendly yet intense three-day competition.
On May 11, 2023, the coveted LA Judge title will be presented to the top performer at a gala ceremony in Sydney, attended by baking industry professionals from across Australia. The LA Judge Award is organised and hosted by the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC). The event is presented in conjunction with the Australian Society of Baking Annual Conference.
Dr Ken Quail, AEGIC Interim CEO, said the LA Judge Award was a challenging but friendly competition that was often a life-changing experience for candidates.
“For 54 years, the LA Judge Award has championed excellence in young bakers, acknowledged their baking ability and industry knowledge, and identified future industry leaders,” he said.
“LA Judge candidates take part in an intense but fun three-day contest. The young bakers are encouraged to care for and support each other and often form friendships.
“Simply by participating in the competition, each candidate is already a winner. Numerous past winners and competitors of the LA Judge Award have subsequently made significant contributions to the baking industry.”
Dr Quail said the competition relied on the support of industry sponsors to meet the significant costs of running such an event.
Sponsors: Major sponsor and prize sponsor Puratos; Gala Dinner sponsor Woolworths; major sponsors Allied Pinnacle, Australian Bakels, Lesaffre Asia Pacific, ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Baking Industry Association, Vanrooy; supporting sponsor: MAURI; competition break sponsor ADM.
The gala dinner and award ceremony will take place at Dockside, Darling Harbour on 11 May, sponsored by Woolworths.
The winner will receive a special trip to Belgium to visit the headquarters of Puratos, including 1 week of training and visits to various Puratos facilities including its famous Sourdough Library. The runner up and candidates will also receive special prizes from Puratos.
2023 LA Judge Award candidates (L-R):
- Daniel Blackburn, Creative Crusts (Belmont, Queensland)
- Bjarke Svendsgaard, Olivers Latrobe Café Bakery (Latrobe, Tasmania)
- Damien Witting, Salus Bakery (Wangaratta, Victoria)
- Jackson Kiely, Coles (Haynes, Western Australia)
